Andoni Iraola is no stranger to European competition, but he has Arne Slot to thank for giving him the opportunity to manage Liverpool in the Champions League.
Liverpool’s disappointing season ended with a fifth-place finish and Slot’s dismissal last weekend.
However, the outgoing head coach was keen to stress that he had still secured Champions League qualification despite the club’s struggles.
In an open letter to the Liverpool Echo, Slot described returning Liverpool to Europe’s top competition as “an important responsibility” that would allow the club to continue competing at the highest level.
While the campaign fell well below expectations, Slot’s achievement means Iraola begins his Anfield tenure with Liverpool back among Europe’s elite and the chance to test himself on the biggest stage in club football.
Andoni Iraola said: “Massive respect for Arne, massive respect. He’s been a Premier League champion and this is something that is massive, especially for a club like Liverpool.
“The Champions League, I had the chance to play it just once as a player. We used to qualify a lot for the Europa League [as a player at Athletic Club] but the Champions League, I’ve only played it once and I’m looking forward to play [it for the] first time as a coach. Big demands, also big chances to face the best teams in Europe and see where we are.”
He added: “For me, we are a lot of things as a manager but especially we are here to help the players. We have to provide, I always say, like a collective platform so everyone can do their job properly and we can find the best roles for every player, we can make them think that they will improve individually also with us, we can give them a culture, an atmosphere, so everyone kind of works as happy as possible.
“I always say: if everyone is happy, there is a good mood around the team, this gives you points. I have no doubt about this.
“As a manager, it’s always impossible to have everyone happy, but I think we have to establish a culture where everyone can feel comfortable doing their job, because at the end we are here to do our job in different places, different areas. But we need to do our job and in the best atmosphere we can create.”
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